Aboriginality and DNA

DNA testing may be used to prove Aboriginal descent, but there are important cautions in using this technology.

Posted on: May 20, 2016

By: Gregory Phillips

Aboriginal identity has at least three parts to it. I write here according to Aboriginal values and perspectives, not the Commonwealth’s deeply flawed three part administrative definition, or from white obsession with defining us for their own purposes.

Firstly, one must be able to prove biological descent from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ancestors. This has nothing to do with skin colour or other physical attributes.

Second, one must have some cultural knowledge and experience of living Black. This is not to say those without cultural knowledge or experiences of growing up Black are not Aboriginal.

The Stolen Generations for example, through no fault of their own, might not be able to say they have cultural knowledge or experience of growing up Black, but if they can prove their Aboriginality through biological descent, then of course they can claim Aboriginality.

It is important to understand that the term ‘cultural knowledge’ should not necessarily equate to ‘traditional’ Aboriginal ceremonies, customs and languages, although all the stronger for those who have them.

As the image below shows, culture has two parts to it – those tangible things we can see such as ceremonies and languages, but that is only the tip of the iceberg.

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"Greg was a fantastic facilitator for our work. He encouraged and elicited strong engagement from participants in both large and small forums, and was able to expertly guide a range of discussions on complex and sensitive material."

"Greg, you were superb... You brought a splendid mix of expert knowledge, empathy, and the ability to listen. You also handled the Q&A sessions with the panels extremely well, and kept the conversation at the right respect-based level. I look forward to our next opportunity to meet."

His Excellency Paul MaddisonHigh Commission of Canada

"Australia should listen to impressive and strong Aboriginal younger leaders and scientists like Gregory Phillips"

Emeritus Professor Fiona StanleyThe University of Western Australia and former Australian of the Year

"A remarkable…and talented thinker and writer in the field."

Dr Jackie HugginsCongress of Australia’s First Peoples

"Thank you for your presentation at the Koori Justice Forum last week. It was so powerful, and just gave us all a bigger view and slightly different language for what we're all trying to do. It really opened our eyes."

"We support Gregory as a leading expert in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curricula development and inter-professional education… He is also a nationally recognised advocate on racism, cultural safety and diversity with professional and personal investment in everything he does…. IAHA highly recommends Abstarr to any stakeholder who wants to invest in a highly skilled, knowledgeable, respected and experienced consultancy that truly values the cultural, spiritual, physical, emotional and social factors that influence their work to ensure sustainable successful outcomes."